Volleyball protective shorts

Defending on the floor

In volleyball, defending requires diving onto the floor to retrieve the ball: tumbles, slides, and sideways rolls. The hips and the outside of the thighs hit the court with every fall, and bruises accumulate over time. The protective shorts, a padded undershorts worn under the match shorts, cushion these impacts and allow for unfettered defending, particularly for liberos and defenders.

Other protections

Volleyball protections also include:

• Kneepads.
• Elbow pads.
• Compression gear.
• Sleeves.
• Ankle supports.
• Shoulder pads.
• Sets.

All protections are gathered on the protections page.

Foams and compression

The protective shorts combine a compression fabric that is stretchy and fitted, which supports the thigh muscles, and integrated foams on the hips, sometimes on the tailbone and the outside of the thighs. The thin and soft foams protect without hindering movement; thicker foams are suitable for players who fall often. The breathable fabric wicks away sweat, and the flat seams prevent irritation.

Choosing wisely

You choose your shorts based on your waist and thigh measurements: they should be fitted so the foams stay in place during falls, without restricting to the point of discomfort. The length, mid-thigh, should just extend beyond the match shorts for complete protection, or remain hidden depending on preferences. Pair them with kneepads and elbow pads for worry-free defence. They should be washed at thirty degrees and air dried.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in good plans, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The year's highlights follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

Protective shorts and kneepads: do you need both?

They protect different areas: the hips and thighs for the shorts, the knees for the kneepads. Defenders and liberos, who dive the most, often wear both.

How to choose the size of padded undershorts?

Refer to your waist and hip measurements on the manufacturer's size guide. The shorts should compress without cutting off circulation, and the foams should stay well positioned on the hips during dives.

What length of protective shorts should I prefer?

A short model hides under a short match shorts, popular with players. A mid-thigh model better protects the outside of the thigh during slides. It should never extend beyond the match shorts.

Do the undershorts hinder jumps and movements?

No, if they are well-fitted: the fabric follows the movements and the foams, which are thin and soft, contour to the hip. An oversized model shifts and rubs, while a model that’s too thick limits the range of motion.

How do you wash shorts with foams?

Wash them turned inside out, in a mesh bag, on a delicate cycle at low temperature. Allow to air dry, never tumble dry or place on a radiator, so the foams keep their shape and cushioning ability.